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Plaster walls, especially unpainted plaster or those painted with flat paints, can absorb dust and dirt and appear dingy in a short time. Frequent dusting during your normal weekly house cleaning prevents some of the dust buildup and discoloration, but eventually the plaster requires a deeper cleaning to bring back its original color. Regular household bleach lightens the grime and washes away the dirt without damaging the plaster. A once- or twice-yearly deep cleaning with a bleach solution is usually all that's necessary to keep the plaster looking its best.

1

Dust the walls with a microfiber dust cloth, making sure to remove all dirt and dust from the corners and the wall surface. For rough plaster, use a vacuum cleaner with a dusting brush attachment to get the dirt out of the rough surface texture.

2

Move furniture away from the walls. Lay down a drop cloth to cover carpeting and furniture so dripping bleach doesn't damage these surfaces.

3

Fill a bucket with 2 gallons of cool water. Mix 1 ½ cups of bleach with the cool water.

4

Put on a pair of rubber gloves to protect your skin from the bleach. Soak a large sponge in the bleach solution. Wring it out so it is barely damp.

5

Wipe down the wall with the sponge, wetting it with more bleach solution as necessary. Begin at the bottom of the wall and work your way up.

6

Wash a small section at a time. After wiping down the section with the bleach solution dry it with a clean towel. Drying as you wash prevents water from running down the wall and leaving behind streaks.

7

Fill the bucket with clear water. Wipe down the walls from bottom to top a second time with the clear water, then wipe dry.

Things You Will Need

Microfiber duster

Vacuum and dust attachment

Drop cloth

Bucket

Rubber gloves

Sponge

Towel

Tip

Test the bleach solution on a hidden area of the wall first to ensure it doesn't damage the paint or lighten the wall too much.

Warnings

Open a window for ventilation from the bleach fumes as you clean.

Do not mix bleach with other cleaners, especially those containing ammonia. Ammonia and bleach produce a toxic gas when combined.

About the Author

Jenny Harrington has been a freelance writer since 2006. Her published articles have appeared in various print and online publications. Previously, she owned her own business, selling handmade items online, wholesale and at crafts fairs. Harrington's specialties include small business information, crafting, decorating and gardening.